Rubio Calls Iran Regime Change More Complex Than Venezuela
“I would imagine it would be even far more complex than the one we're describing now, because you're talking about a regime that's in place for a very long time,” Rubio told lawmakers during a Senate hearing on Venezuela. “So that’s going to require a lot of careful thinking, if that eventuality ever presents itself.”
Rubio framed the US military presence in the Middle East as largely defensive, noting an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 troops stationed at eight or nine facilities. He emphasized that these forces are within range of thousands of Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles and short-range ballistic missiles, highlighting the need to “preemptively prevent” possible attacks against American personnel and allies in the region.
“We have to have enough force and power in the region, just on a baseline to defend against that possibility,” he said, adding that existing security agreements, including those for the defense of Israel, require a robust force posture.
He described Iran’s regime as “probably weaker than it has ever been,” criticizing Tehran for failing to address the “core complaints” of protesters, particularly the collapse of the economy.
Rubio warned that unless the government changes or steps aside, demonstrations are likely to flare again in the future.
His remarks followed a statement by US President Donald Trump, who said a “massive armada” was heading toward Iran and expressed hope that Tehran would “come to the table” to negotiate with Washington.
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